(From an email 8/17)
Dear ARPS Families:

I hope the summer months have provided time for reflection, enjoyment, and renewal. As much as many of us have enjoyed the pace of summer, I am also excited for the coming school year.  As author JB Priestley stated, “I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.”  After completing a full year of in-person learning during the 2021-2022 school year, I am excited to anticipate another year of learning and growing together in 2022-2023. With the talent, dedication, and commitment I witness in all of our schools on a regular basis, I know our students will be returning to schools with a firm commitment to their success and personal growth.

There are a number of things I want to share with you as the first day of school approaches on August 25:

• While we will continue to be vigilant about the health and safety of our staff and students, COVID protocols have continued to evolve based on guidance from the CDC, MA Department of Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Detailed information about COVID protocols can be found at this link.  As was the case last school year, masks will not be required indoors but continue to be recommended.
• Information about neighborhood bus stops and student pick-up is available here, and the bus stops for all schools will be finalized and shared in the next few days.  This year, the District is partnering with Safe Routes to School to expand interest and participation in walking and biking to school. More information about the program and ways to participate will be available at the First Day Celebration and throughout the year.     
• I invite you to the return of our annual First Day Celebration on Wednesday, August 24 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. This year’s event will be held at Kendrick Park (near the rotary) instead of on the town Common and is free as always. Come out for a chance to meet ARPS staff from all of the schools, meet community partners, and have fun with friends and family.  We hope to see you and your family there.
• On Thursday, August 25, we will welcome our students in grades one through 12 back to the new school year.  This first day of school will be a half-day for students, meaning the elementary schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. and the middle and high schools will dismiss at 1:20 p.m.  Our preschool and kindergarten students will begin school on August 30, following student orientations.

Enjoy these last days of summer break and we will see you soon!

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Morris, Superintendent